Fun and games at Patches event

The Summit Centre in Kirkby played host to a special fundraising day to raise money for Patches, a charity that helps children with heart problems. Pictured are Hannah Farrands and Casey Johnson, who have had heart problems, and friend Lily Raynhan.

Published:08:12Tuesday 04 September 2012

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YOUNGSTERS and their families were treated to a day of fun and games at Kirkby’s Summit Centre at a fundraising event on Saturday.

The summer fayre was organised to raise funds for the Ashfield-based charity Patches Heart Group which provides support to families where a child is born with a serious heart condition across the UK.

The event raised £1,030.45 for the charity.

During the day, there was a host of activities for visitors to enjoy, including a bouncy castle, hook-a-duck, cake, bric-a-brac and gift stalls, a lucky dip and much more.

Founder and chairman Maria Linford, whose daughter Casey Beau was born with congenital heart disease, said: “The thing everyone loved was Twistina, who is a renowned balloon modeller. We had them queuing up for ages.

“She made them whatever they wanted like Hello Kitty and Buzz Lightyear.

“The event was better than we could have expected. It was a really great day.”

Behind the smiles, there were also poignant reminders of why the event was being held.

As a tribute to his grandson, Rod Snell travelled from Bourne in Lincolnshire to urge people to sign his petition calling for Leicester’s Glenfield Hospital heart unit to remain open.

Patches helps families in a number of ways, including providing a support group in Sutton, helping with transport and food costs, information on a child’s diagnosis and being on call 24 hours a day.

Maria, who lives in Sutton, is now hoping to build on the charity’s success so parents can access support wherever they live.

Meanwhile, she has also thanked Sutton’s Julie Shacklock School of Dance for their continued support.

“They have raised over £1,500,” said Maria.

“They have been fantastic.”

For more information on the charity visit www.patchesheartgroup.webs.com, search on Facebook for Patches Heart Group or call 07947 933660.